Forced premature detonation of improvised explosive devices via heavy vibration

ABSTRACT

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by creating kinetic energy vibrations from a stationary or mobile platform within a stationary or mobile “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by kinetic energy vibrations will receive the vibrations, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. [Goldman 28], titled “Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via Radiated Electromagnetic energy,” Ser. No. [Goldman 30], titled “Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via Laser Energy,” Ser. No. [Goldman 31], titled “Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via Chemical Substances” and Ser. No. [Goldman 33], titled “Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via Noise Print Simulation,” each filed concurrently with the present application and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to counter-terrorism methods and devices and, more particularly, to methods and devices for triggering premature detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) utilizing kinetic energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is an explosive device that is cobbled together (or “improvised”) for example, from commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives, military ordnance and/or ordnance components, typically by terrorists, guerrillas or commando forces for use in unconventional warfare. IEDs may be implemented for the purpose of causing death or injury to civilian or military personnel, to destroy or incapacitate structural targets or simply to harass or distract an opponent. IEDs may comprise conventional high-explosive charges alone or in combination with toxic chemicals, biological agents or nuclear material. IEDs may be physically placed at or near a pre-determined target or carried by person or vehicle toward a predetermined target or target of opportunity.

As will be appreciated, the design of construction of an IED and the manner and tactics for which a terrorist may employ an IED may vary depending on the available materials and sophistication of the designer. As such, a variety of different triggering mechanisms could be used to trigger detonation of IEDs. It is contemplated that certain IEDs, either by design or by nature of the triggering mechanism, may detonate responsive to kinetic energy of a certain type or characteristic. For example and without limitation, motion of a heavy object (e.g., a heavy truck) can create vibrations that may trigger detonation of IEDs. It is a concern that this tactic can be used to trigger bombings against civilian and military targets throughout the world. Accordingly, there is a need for precautionary measures to respond to this threat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for guarding against kinetic-energy-triggered IEDs by forcing premature detonation of the IED at a safe distance from a prospective target, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the invention provide for projecting vibration energy from a stationary or mobile platform (hereinafter “Kinetic-Energy Platform (KEP)) to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by vibration-energy sources will receive the radiated vibration-energy waves, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an IED defense system including one or more Kinetic-Energy Platforms (KEPs) according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a kinetic device that may be used in the IED defense system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a kinetic device that may be used in the IED defense system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a stationary target area defining a stationary IED detonation zone;

FIG. 5 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a mobile target area defining a mobile IED detonation zone; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for implementing an IED defense system using mobile or stationary KEPs to force premature detonation of IEDs within an IED detonation zone.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 shows by way of example and not limitation, an IED defense system 100 for guarding against kinetic-energy-triggered IEDs. A system controller 102 controls and coordinates operation of one or more Kinetic Energy Platforms 104 (KEP₁ . . . KEP_(n)). The KEPs 104 operate responsive to activation by the system controller to create kinetic vibrations within geographic areas 106 (A₁ . . . A_(n)) in the vicinity of the KEPs. Depending on implementation, the areas 106 individually or collectively combine to define an IED detonation zone 108.

The system controller 102 includes a processor 112 and memory 114 for controlling the operation of KEPs within the IED defense system 100. In one embodiment, the processor executes software routines for managing operation of the various KEPs, including, for example and not limitation, activating and de-activating the KEPs. The memory stores software routines for controlling the KEPs and information relating to the identity, characteristics and location of the various KEPs in the IED defense system. Alternatively or additionally, the system controller may 102 operate responsive to manual input from a human operator (not shown). As will be appreciated, the system controller 102 is a functional element that may reside in a single device or may be distributed among multiple devices and multiple locations. For example and without limitation, the system controller functionality may reside in a centralized platform; or controller functionality may reside in individual KEPs to allow for independent operation of the KEPs.

As shown, the system controller includes a transceiver 116 for communicating with the KEPs 104 via wireless resources 118. The KEPs 104 similarly include transceivers 116 for communicating with the system controller, or with each other, via wireless resources 118. As will be appreciated, the wireless transceivers may be eliminated, for example, in embodiments where controller functionality resides within the KEP. The wireless resources 118, where applicable, may comprise narrowband frequency modulated channels, wideband modulated signals, broadband modulated signals, time division modulated slots, carrier frequencies, frequency pairs or generally any medium for communicating information to or from the KEPs. The wireless resources may implement air interface technologies including but not limited to, CDMA, TDMA, GSM, UMTS or IEEE 802.11.

The KEPs 104 execute control logic 120 responsive to instructions from the system controller 102 (or where applicable, from their own resident controllers) to activate respective kinetic devices 122 to generate kinetic vibrations in the IED detonation zone 108. In one embodiment, the kinetic devices comprise respective drivers 124 for driving pistons 128 in reciprocating vertical motion (denoted by arrows 130). At the distal end of the pistons 128 are masses 126 (hereinafter “thumpers”) adapted to periodically pound or “thump” the ground responsive to vertical motion of the pistons 128, thereby yielding kinetic energy vibrations in the IED detonation zone 108. In one embodiment, the kinetic devices are operated under control of the control logic 120 and/or the system controller 102, such that the kinetic energy vibrations may be controlled by software routines executed within the control logic 120 and/or the system controller 102. In implementations with multiple kinetic devices 122 and/or thumpers 126, the thumpers may be controlled to either periodically strike simultaneously or with a controlled delay to create constructive interference thereby amplifying the kinetic energy vibrations in the zone 108.

As will be appreciated, thumpers 126 may be implemented in any of several forms. In one embodiment, the thumpers 126 comprise a heavy metal wheel or freely rotating ball at the end of the pistons, so as to allow for the KEPs to be implemented on mobile platforms without damaging the roadway or creating significant drag on the platforms forward velocity. Alternatively, most particularly when implemented on stationary platforms, the thumpers may be implemented with flat contact surfaces. Generally, it is contemplated that virtually any type of kinetic device and/or thumpers may be employed to create vibrations at varying intensity, frequency or the like to produce a desired characteristic signature. For example and without limitation, KEPs may be implemented to produce vibrations simulating the rumble of a heavy truck.

Now turning to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, there is shown two alternative embodiments of kinetic devices 122 that may be used in the KEPs of FIG. 1. Referring initially to FIG. 2, the kinetic device includes a driver 124 comprising a plurality of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 125. Operation of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders is well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. Suffice it to say that the pistons 128 are disposed within the cylinders 125; and operation of the cylinders 125 drives the pistons in reciprocating vertical motion (denoted by arrows 130). Responsive to motion of the pistons, the thumpers 126 pound the ground 140 so as to create kinetic energy vibrations in the vicinity of the kinetic device 122. Now referring to FIG. 3, the kinetic device includes a driver 124 comprising a motor 132 operably connected to a crankshaft 134. The motor 132 imparts rotational motion to the crankshaft (denoted by arrow 136). The crankshaft 132 rotates about a linear axis and translates the rotational motion to reciprocating vertical motion. Pistons 128 are attached to the crankshaft 130 such that, responsive to motion of the crankshaft, the pistons move in reciprocating vertical motion (denoted by arrows 130). Responsive to motion of the pistons, the thumpers 126 pound the ground 140 so as to create kinetic energy vibrations in the vicinity of the kinetic device 122.

As will be described in greater detail in relation to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the KEPs may be deployed on mobile or stationary platforms, or some combination thereof, to effect a mobile or stationary IED detonation zone 108. In either case, the IED detonation zone is advantageously positioned a safe distance from civilian or military personnel or structural targets, such that detonation of IEDs in the zone will not cause significant damage to persons or property. Detonation of IEDs within the zone is referred to as a forced premature detonation since it is instigated by the IED defense system 100 and will occur before intended by the person or agency deploying the IED.

FIG. 4 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a stationary target area defining a stationary IED detonation zone. For convenience, like reference numerals will be used to describe like elements in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a stationary IED detonation zone 108 is defined by deploying one or more KEPs 104 at predetermined fixed positions about a designated geographic area in which premature detonation of IEDs is desired. The designated geographic area may comprise, for example, a remote checkpoint or staging area situated a safe distance (e.g., 500 ft.) from persons or structures that may be targeted by IEDs. When activated, the KEPs 204 create kinetic energy vibrations within the IED detonation zone, substantially as described in relation to FIG. 1, so as to force premature detonation of IEDs within or entering the zone 108. The KEPs may be activated responsive to a system controller (not shown in FIG. 2) or a human operator.

As shown, vehicle 402 is traveling on a transportation path 404 (e.g., a roadway) toward a prospective target or target area. Vehicle 402 is carrying an IED that may be triggered to detonate by vibrational energy. As the vehicle proceeds along path 404, it encounters and enters the stationary IED detonation zone 108. Generally, when a person or vehicle first approaches the IED detonation zone, it is not known to be carrying an IED and even if an IED is detected, the type of triggering device may not be known. Accordingly, any unidentified person or vehicle entering the IED detonation zone will at least initially be perceived as a threat. Consequently, in one embodiment, the person or vehicle is stopped upon entering the IED detonation zone. Optionally, a gate 406 is utilized to facilitate stopping the person or vehicle. While the person or vehicle is stopped, or generally at any time while the person or vehicle is within the detonation zone 108, the KEPs 104 may be activated tn produce kinetic energy vibrations within the zone. In such manner, any IEDs carried by the person or vehicle that are triggered by vibrations are prematurely detonated within the zone 208. An alternative implementation is that the zone is sufficiently wide that the person or vehicle does not need to be impeded by a gate, but will be in the zone for sufficiently long enough time as to allow the kinetic energy vibrations to cause premature detonation of the IED.

FIG. 5 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a mobile target area defining a mobile IED detonation zone. For convenience, like reference numerals will be used to describe like elements in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, one or more KEPs 104 are deployed on vehicles traversing a transportation path (e.g., roadway). In one implementation, the vehicles comprise drone vehicles traveling in advance of a convoy of troops. At various points along the transportation path, the vehicles may encounter IEDs that are possibly triggered by chemical substances. The KEPs 104, when activated, produce a mobile IED detonation zone 108 that advances along the transportation path along with the mobile platform. The KEPs may be activated responsive to a system controller (not shown in FIG. 5) or a human operator. The IED detonation zone 108 comprises an area subject to kinetic energy vibrations substantially as described in relation to FIG. 1. As such, any IEDs on the transportation path that are encountered by the advancing IED detonation zone 308 are likely to become prematurely detonated if they are triggered by vibrations.

Now turning to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart for implementing an IED defense system using mobile or stationary KEPs. At step 602, an authority or agency responsible for implementing an IED defense system defines an IED detonation zone. The IED detonation zone may define a stationary detonation zone such as described in relation to FIG. 2 or a mobile detonation zone traversing a transportation path such as described in relation to FIG. 3. As will be appreciated, multiple IED detonation zones may be defined to cover multiple geographic areas or transportation paths as needed or desired.

At step 604, the responsible authority or agency deploys one or more KEPs as necessary to obtain desired kinetic energy vibration coverage within the zone. For example, in the case where the IED detonation zone defines a stationary zone, one or more KEPs may be deployed at one or more predetermined locations residing within or proximate to the stationary zone as necessary to obtain desired vibration coverage within the zone; or in the case where the IED detonation zone defines a mobile zone, one or more KEPs may be deployed on drones or other suitable transport vehicles adapted to traverse a designated transportation path.

As has been noted in relation to FIG. 1, the nature and type of the KEPs may be selected to produce one or more characteristic type(s) of kinetic energy vibrations or signatures that are believed to trigger detonation of IEDs. In one embodiment, the kinetic energy vibrations simulate the rumble of a heavy truck.

Sometime after the KEPs are deployed, the KEPs are activated at step 606 to cover the zone with vibrations. Depending on implementation, the KEPs may be lo operated alone or in combination and at varying intensity, pounding sequences or the like to produce a desired characteristic vibration signature.

At step 608, IED(s) within the designated stationary or mobile zone receive the kinetic energy vibrations, causing the IED(s) to prematurely detonate if they include triggering mechanisms that respond to kinetic energy vibrations.

Optionally, at step 610, the responsible authority or agency may choose to reconfigure one or more KEP(s) to obtain different coverage or define a different IED detonation zone. If reconfiguration is desired, reconfiguration is accomplished at step 612. It is contemplated that reconfiguration may be accomplished while the KEP(s) remain active or after they are de-activated. At some point when it is desired to cease creating vibrations within the IED detonation zone, the KEPs are de-activated at step 614.

In one embodiment, activation or de-activation of the KEPs at steps 606 and 614 is implemented by software routines executed within the system controller 102. As has been noted, the system controller functionality may reside in a centralized platform; or controller functionality may reside in individual KEPs to allow for independent operation of the KEPs. Alternatively or additionally, one or more KEPs may be activated or de-activated responsive to human control. Generally, instructions for activating and operating the KEPs or de-activating the KEPs may be implemented on any computer-readable signal-bearing media residing within the system controller or residing in individual KEPs. The computer-readable signal-bearing media may comprise, for example and without limitation, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disk drives or electronic memory. The computer-readable signal-bearing media store software, firmware and/or assembly language for performing one or more functions relating to steps 606 and 614.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the KEPs may be deployed with or without a system controller 102; and the KEPs may be implemented alone or in combination to create kinetic energy vibrations of various types and/or characteristics that may differ from the described embodiments. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. An IED defense system for forcing premature detonation of IEDs triggered by kinetic energy vibrations, the IED defense system comprising: one or more kinetic energy platforms having means for pounding a surface in the vicinity of the platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations; and one or more controllers for activating the platforms to pound the surface in the vicinity of the platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations within a zone defining an IED detonation zone, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs triggered by kinetic energy vibrations within the IED detonation zone.
 2. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the platforms are adapted to create kinetic energy vibrations defining a characteristic pattern of a prospective target.
 3. The IED defense system of claim 2, wherein one or more of the platforms are adapted to create kinetic energy vibrations simulating operation of a heavy vehicle.
 4. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the platforms define stationary platforms adapted to create kinetic energy vibrations within a geographic zone defining a stationary IED detonation zone.
 5. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the platforms define mobile platforms adapted to traverse a transportation path, the mobile platforms adapted to create kinetic energy vibrations while advancing along the transportation path defining a mobile IED detonation zone.
 6. The IED defense system of claim 5, wherein the mobile platform comprises a terrestrial vehicle adapted to traverse a terrestrial path, the mobile IED detonation zone defining at least a portion of the terrestrial path.
 7. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers include a system controller for activating a plurality of platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations within the IED detonation zone.
 8. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the one or more controllers define independent controllers for independently activating respective platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations within the IED detonation zone.
 9. (canceled)
 10. A method for implementing an IED defense system comprising: deploying one or more stationary platforms about a designated geographic area defining a stationary IED detonation zone, the stationary platforms having means for pounding a surface in the vicinity of the platforms to create create kinetic energy vibrations within the stationary IED detonation zone; and activating the platforms to pound the surface in the vicinity of the platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations within the stationary IED detonation zone, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs triggered by kinetic energy vibrations within the stationary IED detonation zone.
 11. A method for implementing an IED defense system comprising: deploying one or more mobile platforms adapted to traverse a transportation path, the mobile platforms adapted to create kinetic energy vibrations along at least a portion of the path thereby defining a mobile IED detonation zone; and activating the sources to create kinetic energy vibrations within the mobile IED detonation zone, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs triggered by kinetic energy vibrations within the mobile IED detonation zone.
 12. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein the means for pounding a surface include one or more pistons operable for driving in a reciprocating vertical motion to strike the surface and yield kinetic energy vibrations in the IED detonation zone.
 13. The IED defense system of claim 12, wherein the pistons are operable for driving in a reciprocating vertical motion by operation of one or more pneumatic cylinders.
 14. The IED defense system of claim 12, wherein the pistons are operable for driving in a reciprocating vertical motion by operation of one or more hydraulic cylinders.
 15. The IED defense system of claim 12, wherein the pistons are operable for driving in a reciprocating vertical motion by operation of a crankshaft. 